During a recent government meeting, Dr. Brian Yerson presented the findings from the fall 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), which gathered insights from students in grades 6 through 12 across the state. The survey, which is anonymous and voluntary, aims to assess various aspects of student life, including health behaviors, risk factors, and protective factors within the school environment.

A total of 262,535 students from 1,048 schools participated statewide, with 2,658 responses from the local district. Key highlights from the survey indicated that 89.6% of students felt there were ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement, while 74.4% reported having chances to engage in one-on-one discussions with teachers. Additionally, 64.3% of students felt safe at school, and 70.9% noted that their efforts were recognized by teachers.

However, the survey also revealed concerning statistics regarding mental health. While 72.1% of students reported good overall mental health, 17.5% indicated they had seriously considered suicide. The data will be instrumental in shaping prevention and intervention programs aimed at addressing mental health, substance use, and bullying.

Dr. Yerson emphasized the importance of using the survey results to refine existing initiatives and develop tailored support systems for students. The district has implemented various support mechanisms, including a Student Assistance Program (SAP), trauma-informed leadership teams, and a robust bullying policy. Plans for the future include professional development for staff on implementing protective factors and enhancing mental health support.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue evaluating and modifying support strategies based on the survey findings, ensuring that student perspectives remain central to decision-making processes.